Had a really nice day out today.. visited the farm park with the family and of course.. the railway!
Very friendly bunch.. had a nice chat with a chap who I guessed was the 'main man' - knew Colin anyway.
He kindly cleared out some 'junk' in the shed so I could get a look at the Bagnall. They were running 'Pet' today.
He did mention that there's an event in October when Effie will be visiting, along with a Heywood wagon and he'll have both engines in steam. Sounds like too good an opportunity to miss I reckon!
I told him about the Gnotters and he hinted strongly that he was thinking of having a model layout / diorama of the SFR built to take and display at events.. now there's a challenge folks! Don't know how my bodging would cope with trying to model the steam engines but there's certainly food for thought isn't there?
I noticed that they were looking for volunteers too.. It's a tempting thought. There's scope for extending the line and there are certainly dreams of what might be!

Glad you enjoyed the day out, I forgot they were running mid-week, might have to pop down there next week when I have a few days off.... Good to hear my name opens doors here and there it managed to get Ian Holmes and myself into the shed at Cleethorpes over the weekend so he could see Effie..... visit of which to Sherwood should be good!

The owner of the SFR did briefly discuss the idea of a diorama with me a few months ago - I must get back to him on that, I lost all my e-mail addresses in a hard drive faliure a month ago - which I still haven't fully recovered from. The prospect of building steam worried me too, I was proposing a model of the diesel in On9 with the motor in the coach, must get that drawn up - but if any of you want to offer to do it in Gn15 be my guest

I called David Colley this evening. (SFPR chap)
Effie is coming to Sherwood Forest Farm park on the first weekend of October.
From what I understand, it's admission via the park and open to the public as usual.

Effie is coming to Sherwood Forest Farm park on the first weekend of October.

Great news! I'll have to check my diary and see if i'm free!!

With any luck i should be starting the process of updating http://www.miniaturerailways.fotopic.net over the weekend, there are a few more SFR shots to go up, including his 5/8ths full size Lister under construction. Also shots of Pet with a fresh paint job taken at Cleethorpes last Sunday.... watch this space![/url]

Anybody had thoughts about when they are visiting?
I will definitely be Sunday rather than Saturday and I may or may not have kids in tow (hopefully dispatch them to chase pigs or something )
Can't be more specific unfortunately.. just wondered if I'm likely to bump into a Gnotter?

Yes - I should be there on Sunday too - family in tow, so that's more pig chasers.... Will try to meet up with you Martin, I think I can remember what you look like!

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, been busy concocting my layout plan for the On9 project. Almost there, in fact, October should be good for progress as 90% of materials are to hand, just need to book some 'track laying leave' from work. Funnily enough I can't find that category on the leave request system, so will have to use up A/L instead!

It was really nice to get to meet everyone again and chew the fat.. really enjoyed Sunday, kids had a lovely time too.. wife obviously enjoyed herself, soaking Dad infront of the kids! I've posted up in the 'prototype' section with a link to some pictures.
Colin.. unfortunately only got your back in the Tops wagon.. did yours come out okay?

Colin.. unfortunately only got your back in the Tops wagon.. did yours come out okay?

Ah... my best angle! Mine came out a bit less than OK, I'd email you a copy but I lost you addy in the great hard drive crash - could you PM me with it? It serves as a good reminder that my digital camera is nearly 4 years old and getting past it - must look into a new one for next year.

So, anyone tempted to volunteer for the SFR?

Very tempted, but I really want to spend the winter months on my own 15" gauge project

Anyhow, it was good to see both you and David again, sorry I couldn't chat for long.... those pigs don't chase themeselves you know Did you get a good shot of that strange bloke photographing trains down by the pig pens Martin?